Ford at the 2014 SEMA Show

It’s time for SEMA 2014, and we here at Ford Addict know what that means! It’s that time of year again when automakers and tuners alike take factory stock cars, and modify them to show off not only new designs and technology, but also to show off the potential these vehicles have in the aftermarket. What is SEMA you ask? For those who are unfamiliar with the term, it stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association. This group is full of different members and companies who produce equipment to modify, restore, and add new tech to older and late model cars. Many Ford vehicles were on display at the 2014 SEMA show, and everything from the Transit van to the classic Ford GT were shown with some unique custom flair.

The big news this year was the introduction of the all-new 2015 Mustang, which had almost every aftermarket company interested in adding upgrades to the new pony soon after its launch. Dozens of new Mustangs showed up decked out in new gear for the event. Even brands Ford enthusiasts are plenty familiar with showed up, such as Steeda and Roush. This author’s personal favorite car was the new RTR Mustang by Vaughn Gittin Jr., (main picture) which includes an entirely new body kit with flared panels and a riveted-on widebody stance. A new hood, chin spoiler with carbon fiber splitter, and entirely new front grille are also part of the package.

The real “King of the Road”

Another talked about Mustang was the 2015 Mustang King Cobra. This 600+ horsepower beast features a wild paint job that is a real throwback to dragsters of the late 60’s and early 70’s with scales and a large “King Cobra” decal proudly being displayed over the front grille. While we are unsure if this is the replacement for the Mustang Cobra Jet, the drag slicks and menacing stance do support the claims of this car being able to do high 10’s in the quarter mile run.

Old Mustangs were also highlights of the show, in particular the new car for the next Gymkhana Seven video, a heavily modified 1965 Mustang coupe drift-machine. Driven by Ken Block himself, this Mustang was designed by his own racing team, Hooligan Racing Division, ASD Motorsports, and the previously mentioned RTR. It features a 410-cubic-inch Roush Yates V8 that produces 845 horsepower. This power is near uncontrollable in a classic like this, so they changed the drivetrain to all-wheel-drive and added a one off Sadev transmission. Roll change, custom suspension, tubular chassis, and fifteen52 wheels, all show how this car is the perfect blend of NASCAR power and WRC racing pedigree.

Mustangs weren’t the only new vehicles shown off at the show either, the all new 2015 F-150 and Transit both had their time in the spotlight. The RTR boys were at it again with another Vaughn Gittin Jr. creation, an F-150 with Air Lift suspension that has 12 inches of travel, unique green wheels, silver paint, and an interior with Recaro Seats. The MAD Industries F-150 took a page out of the Edge Sport’s book to have a pure white exterior, with contrasting 24” grey wheels, and black trim. It also featured upgrades to the 5.0 V8 through a twin screw Whipple supercharger and Gibson dual exhaust. The F-150 Deegan 38 featured an impressive boost to the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, where it increases the power to 600hp with the help of upgrades from BorgWarner, Full Race Motorsports, and ProEFO. But the coolest F-150 in show has to be the two tone truck by Fabtech, who lifted the new F-150 6 inches with adjustable dirt logic shocks, 37” Nitto tires on 20” Fuel/OMF wheels. Other details include a custom brushguard, and a blinding LED light bar across to the roof to provide sun to otherwise dark trails.

Subtle and stylish…

…or lifted and loud! Take your pick.

The Transits showed off some of their charm too. One version of the Transit that caught our attention was the Business Class Transit. This van was built to show off the capabilities of the Transit as a worthy replacement for the much loved Lincoln Town Car limo. The livery business should take note of the cool features of this van, such as 8-heated and massaging seats for passengers, wood flooring, flat-screen TV’s, LED lights, Wi-Fi, and even a cocktail bar in true luxury limo style. Another version of the Transit by Vegas Off-Road Experience (VORE) showed off the practicality of the van as a shuttle vehicle, but also one that can entertain its passengers through a video-gaming station, tablet controls, 5-flat-screen TVs, a 60” LED partition screen, and even a larger screen for outdoor viewings.

We wish the family van was as cool as this thing!

Understated Luxury, perfect for any VIP.

The last vehicle we appreciated was designed by none-other than Chip Foose. He modified his 2006 Ford GT, which was a birthday present from his wife, in a very tasteful and almost factory way. With its orange accents to the center stripes, and on the one off wheels, this GT prefers to be aesthetically pleasing. Even though the 5.4L Supercharged V8 has a full Magnaflow Performance exhaust, little details like a removed rear bumper and trimmed frame extensions add to the subtle charm we love about this GT.

Ford was in the spotlight for most of the 2014 SEMA show and for good reason. Our favorite brand provided some of the coolest cars to come out of the industry this year with the help of the Mustang, Transit, and F-150. And it even brought out some older cars too in the form of the 1965 Mustang and 2006 GT to show how its designs are timeless. And while we think these cars are perfect from the factory, SEMA just goes to show that there is always room to make our cars stand out from the crowd.